Possibly replacing inlays in Shiro Quantum Ursus NL

Corton93

Corton93

Joined
Mar 17, 2020
Messages
725
Some youtubers and others have mentioned lacking quality and general dislike of the wood inlays. I will say that on mine, the wooden inlays were perfect fit and finish, perfectly smooth, etc. Although I did partially buy this knife with the possibility of modifying it..

I know that I'm completely burning the warranty, that's fine. It is my money to spend. And if I booger this knife up, no one is out of anything but me, I'm fine taking that risk. So for that one person who will get all twisted up over this, just chill.

Thinking of swapping the wooden inlays out for black linen Micarta, much like on my small Sebenza. I have worked with micarta many times to make scales for fixed blades, but never messed with inlays. Making the inlays isn't a problem and would be the easiest part, slowly hand finishing till a perfect fit. But has anyone ever removed inlays like this before? I know that realistically I won't be able to get the inlays out without destroying them. Main concern is just trying to remove the inlays while minimizing damage/marring of the titanium.

So does anyone have any experience doing something like this? Any tips to share would be greatly appreciated! Also is there any other inlay material you think would look good that I should consider?
https://imgur.com/a/v6MwvQ8
https://imgur.com/a/nBBdDAS
 
Are there holes on the underside you can push from like a CRK?
 
Last edited:
Ooh boy, that looks like a lot of work. If the wood goes all the way through the scales you could tap them out from the inside. But my guess is the scales are press-fit in, maybe with glue on the bottom, or 3M tape like CRK uses.

In which case the opportunity to mess up is large, but my guess would be:
- carefully tape over the titanium
- use a sharp razor to cut off the top part of the scales so you have 2 templates to make the new ones from.
- use a dremel to grind out most of the remaining wood, but NEVER go too close to the sides, leave some there for the next step.
- remove the rest of the wood with a razor.
- use goop off or similar to remove all glue residue, then acetone
- make new scales to correct thickness, and fully finish them before insertion.
- glue and press-fit into place.
- remove tape

Good luck!
 
Have never done it, so this is totally talking out my a$$, but I would bet the inlays are glued or taped in and if it was me I'd probably put a heat gun to them and see if I could pry them up with some kind of plastic pry bar so as not to mar the titanium.
 
3D Anvil said:
Have never done it, so this is totally talking out my a$$, but I would bet the inlays are glued or taped in and if it was me I'd probably put a heat gun to them and see if I could pry them up with some kind of plastic pry bar so as not to mar the titanium.
Click to expand...
That's what I was thinking too. Figured they are just glued in so may go at it with a heat gun first, and if that don't work may soak them in acetone/some other adhesive remover. Hoping I can get them out without tearing em up, having a template would make the process go alot quicker 😆
 
The issue with soaking wood is that it expands, which could cause it to bend and not be a good template
 
I've done this on some Sebenza scales. If you destroy them taking them out, cardstock paper templates are easy enough to make to start with. Somewhere over in the CRK forum I did a write-up I'll see if I can find...


Edit...
Found the thread. Not as much detail as I was remembering. Let me know if I can help, though

replacing inlays in Sebenza scales?

Has anyone ever replaced the inlays in the sebenza (or inkosi) scales? I understand they are installed using double-stick tape, not epoxy or CA glue. Is this correct? Any tips on removing the inlays without breaking them? Thanks in advance. TR (PS - I understand all the cautions about...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
There absolutely are holes on the backside of the scales, as shown in the picture below.

If you look up dept_13_knives on Instagram, he makes replacement inserts for the Quantum Ursus NL.

His name is Valera, and when I asked him for removal advice, this is what he had to say about the process:

"You need to disassemble the knife and push on the back side of the inserts, through the holes on the inside of the scales.
Then remove the adhesive tape, with solvent or WD-40. Then you can stick new inserts on with double-sided adhesive tape."

He didn't mention using heat, but I'd be willing to bet he did.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top